Page 53 of Requital

Bringing her hand to her face and using her forefinger to push her glasses back onto her nose, she sighs and admits Erika’s mother came to see her a few days earlier. Her visit is the reason for our meeting today. Unbeknownst to Erika, her mother knew what her father was doing to their daughter and had done for many years. She is why Erika is studying in Virginia and not in the same state where her parents reside.

I don’t understand why Erika’s mother has kept the secret to herself all these years and why she is now choosing to discuss it. When I pose that question to my colleague, she explains that when Erika’s mother first discovered what was happening, she was horrified and threatened to call the authorities. Sadly, she admitted that her husband is a very controlling man who threatened to ruin her and never allow her to see her daughter again if she ever told anyone what he had done. She relented because she knew if he ever took Erika away from her, she’d never be able to protect her from her father.

“But why does she continue to stay now?” My curiosity is piqued.

“Because she knows she is the only person who can ensure her husband never touches his daughter again.”

Monica’s admission only creates more questions than answers but none of actual relevance.

“This is why Erika’s mother was insistent you take on her case in Virginia, and she didn’t want Erika’s father running interference with her treatment,” she concludes.

So many questions.

“I can see that brain of yours working, Emily; what’s going on in there?”

Getting back to the topic of Erika, I relay there is a personality Lucy warned me not to invoke, one that shows himself when Erika becomes angry – a man named Marco. When I ask Monica if Erika’s mother made mention of that personality, she shakes her head. Lucy, though, that’s one her mother mentioned and acknowledged was why she discovered what was going on between her husband and daughter.

According to what she’d told Monica, Lucy started appearing when Erika was about six. At first, she believed it was just childish fun, but the episodes became more and more frequent, concerning her. It wasn’t until she conferred with a medical professional that she started to connect the dots.

Her suspicions lead to her catching her husband in the act and subsequently her threatening to have him detained. Although he has never laid a hand on his daughter since, her mother has carried her guilt and fear since then. She has done everything within her power to ensure nothing further happens, but she knows she can’t protect her for much longer.

“What do you mean?” I blurt, curious about her last comment.

“Erika’s mother has just been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.” Monica solemnly concedes. “The cancer has spread too far for them to save her, and she has six months at best. She has begged for us to help protect her daughter from her father after she has gone.”

“Does Erika know?”

Shaking her head once more, she explains that her mother isn’t ready to discuss her health with her daughter at this time. Even Monica’s tone of voice as she is speaking gives away her differing opinion on the matter. We know the further damage it can do to Erika, but our hands are tied.

Promising I will continue to treat Erika, I also tell Monica that once Erika’s mother passes, nothing is stopping her father from being prosecuted. Monica has considered this but also acknowledged for that to happen, Erika must be the one to complain to the authorities. That would require her to be sound of mind, which is clear she is not. We are also aware that for this to become a possibility, Erika would need to remember what her father did to her, and for that to happen, we need to get past her Lucy and Marco personalities.

“It’s a challenge I’m happy to take on, Monica,” I reassure my colleague. “I definitely need the distraction right now. Let’s continue with weekly updates so that I can keep you in the loop with Erika’s treatment and progress.”

Thanking me, Monica promises to also keep me informed on any new developments she uncovers from her end. Ending the video conference, I shut my laptop and go in search of my cell.

Hawke: Should be wrapped up in the next hour. Have new intel to share.

Sumner: What do you think of this dress for the flower girls?

Replying to Hawke, I let him know I’ll be here when he returns. Opening Sumner’s message, I find she’s attached a picture of a dusty rose flower girl dress she has found online. The dress is petite and pretty, with a lace bodice lined with cotton, a low back, and gorgeous scalloped edges. What those three little girls will love the most is the full, cotton-lined fluffy tulle skirt.

Me: It’s perfect, Sumner! The girls will love it, and they will look adorable.

Sumner: Wonderful! I will get Grace’s and Mackenna’s sizes and will order them. Do you think we should order a larger size for each of them, just in case?

Me: That would be smart. We can always have them altered if they are too big.

Sumner: Thank you for your help. I will text Hadley and Charlie now!

Hawke: We have finished earlier than expected. See you in ten.

My stomach rumbling reminds me I need to feed our growing jellybean.

* * *

The click of the door and the sound of keys dropping in the bowl beside the door alerts me to Hawke’s arrival before I hear his voice.

“I’m back, Em,” he calls, closing the door sharply behind him.

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